Synthesis and electrochemical properties of ZnTiO/g-CN composites as anode materials for Li-ion batteries.

ZnTiO/g-CN (0, 1, 3 and 8 wt%) composites were prepared via a simple solvothermal method, and their physical and electrochemical properties were systematically analyzed. SEM and HRTEM results show that the ZnTiO/g-CN spherical structures with width sizes of about 500-700 nm are plump and uniform. Moreover, g-CN with a large specific surface area can effectively buffer the deformation of ZnTiO and reduce the resistance of ZnTiO charge transfer and Li diffusion, thus improving the conductivity of ZnTiO. The results reveal that ZnTiO/g-CN (3 wt%) had the most outstanding electrochemical performance of all samples. It can deliver discharge (charge) capacities of 444.6 (387.9), 284.5 (280.8), 197.5 (199.9), 149.9 (149.3), 119.2 (118.7) and 81.4 (81) mA h g cycled at 50, 100, 300, 600, 900, and 1500 mA g, respectively. At the same current densities, pure ZnTiO only provides discharge (charge) capacities of 325.4 (283.5), 223.7 (219.5), 142.9 (141.8), 95.4(94.8), 69.4 (69.4) and 38.3 (39.3) mA h g. The results verify that ZnTiO/g-CN materials are expected to be remarkable anode materials for Li-ion batteries.